Overview

Watch: Fiona Bailey discusses the different pathways students can study with Fashion Buying at DMU.

Learn about the diverse roles and responsibilities of a fashion buyer and merchandiser, and explore the associated roles that are key within the modern fashion industry.

You’ll develop in-depth knowledge of the product lifecycle, critical path, selection, and costing and promotion, as well as focusing on trading the range, reacting to sales, and identifying strategies to improve company profits.

We place a strong emphasis on nurturing your professional practice through personal development planning.

This encourages you to reflect on your progress and achievements and identify areas you wish to develop and improve, as well as guided research and critical reasoning and we’ll make sure your Excel skills are fit for purpose in your chosen industry.

Key features

Learn what you’ll need – including communication and an understanding of fashion business – for a career in today’s fashion and buying industries.

Draw upon the expertise of fashion industry insiders to build your knowledge and ready yourself for a career in merchandising, or a related role.

100% of our Fashion Buying graduates from summer 2017 are in work or further study after graduating (Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) 2016-17).

Year one explores the business of fashion, followed by the opportunity to specialise in merchandising during years two and three.

Take up a one-year placement opportunity within or outside the UK. Our students have experienced life at Tommy Hilfiger, O'Neill, Next, Marks & Spencer, Reiss, George, Selfridges, River Island, Joules, G-Star, Mamas & Papas, and at several supply bases. Many go on to work for these big brands, or are now running their own successful businesses.

Additional costs: Here at DMU we provide excellent learning resources, including the Kimberlin Library and specialist workshops and studios. However, you should be aware that sometimes you may incur additional costs for this programme.

Additional costs: Here at DMU we provide excellent learning resources, including the Kimberlin Library and specialist workshops and studios. However, you should be aware that sometimes you may incur additional costs for this programme.

Entry criteria

Plus, Five GCSEs grades 9-4 including English Language or Literature and Maths at grade 4 or above.

Alternative qualifications include:

Access - Pass Access with 30 Level 3 credits at Merit (or equivalent) and GCSE English (Language or Literature) and Maths at grade C/4 or above.

We also accept the BTEC First Diploma plus two GCSEs including English and Maths at grade C/4 or above (if required as part of our standard requirement).

International students

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band, or equivalent when you start the course is essential. English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Third year

Note: All modules are subject to change in order to keep content current.

The course will be divided into 75% Fashion Buying and 25% Merchandising

Structure

This includes design studio practice, formal lectures, group seminars, tutorials, lab work and practical workshops. There are regular tutorials and reviews which allow you to reflect and develop your work ready for your final presentation at the end of the year.

Contact hours

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, group work and self-directed study. Assessment is through coursework (presentations, essays and reports) Your precise timetable will depend on the optional modules you choose to take, however, in your first year you will normally attend around 15 hours of timetabled taught sessions (lectures and tutorials) each week, and we expect you to undertake at least 25 further hours of independent study to complete project work and research.

Facilities and features

Art and Design facilities

The award-winning Vijay Patel Building brings all of our art and design courses together providing inspiring, flexible spaces, studios and facilities which invite creativity and innovation.

The creative industries require imaginative graduates who can develop new ideas and products. Students use our state-of-the-art workshops, labs and studios to experiment and test in the same way they will in industry, while the open and transparent spaces in the building encourage collaboration between disciplines. In doing so, the building supports students to be both ready for industry and future leaders in their respective fields.

Take a look at our stunning showcase of the building at dmu.ac.uk/aad.

More flexible ways to learn

Our Universal Design for Learning (UDL) has been recognised as leading the university sector. It builds upon our pledge to offer an equitable and inclusive approach to learning and teaching for all our students.

UDL means we offer a wide variety of support, facilities and technology to all students, including those with disabilities and specific learning differences.

Just one of the ways we do this is by using ‘DMU Replay’ – a technology providing all students with anytime access to audio and/or visual material of lectures.

This means students can revise taught material in the way which suits them best, whether it's replaying a recording of a class or adapting written material shared in class using specialist software.

Campus Centre

The current home of De Montfort Students' Union (DSU), Campus Centre, has been completely refurbished to create a state-of-the-art environment for DSU improving the student experience.

The new-look Campus Centre is the hub for student life, on the ground floor is a convenience store, a Subway and a Starbucks. There is also the DSU-owned charitable accommodation service Sulets and SUpplies, DSU’s shop, selling art supplies stationary and clothing, and offering printing and binding services.

A staircase in the centre of the building leads up to the first floor, where the DSU officer team has new offices.

Opportunities and careers

Placements

This course gives you the option to enhance and build your professional skills to progress within your chosen career, through a placement. Our dedicated team offers a range of careers resources and opportunities so you can start planning your future.

We have excellent links with the fashion industry, ensuring you work on industry relevant projects and client briefs to gain more experience and build your external reputation before you graduate. This invaluable experience can enrich student capabilities and their final-year projects. This year some of our students have gone to companies including Primark, Marks & Spencer, ASOS, George, F&F Tesco, Timberland, Matalan, and O’Neill (Amsterdam).

Emelita Pauraite secured a product development intern role at luxury denim brand G-Star Raw in Amsterdam.

#DMUglobal

This is our innovative international experience programme which aims to enrich your studies and expand your cultural horizons – helping you to become a global graduate, equipped to meet the needs of employers across the world.

Through #DMUglobal, we offer a wide range of opportunities including on-campus and UK activities, overseas study, internships, faculty-led field trips and volunteering, as well as Erasmus+ and international exchanges.

Students on this course have recently been to Porto, where they learnt about the fashion manufacturing cycle by visiting spinners, knitters, dye houses and manufacturers – culminating in a simulated design and negotiation task with suppliers. New York trips have involved visits to local museums, colleges, suppliers, product data management head offices, and a tour and talk at Gap’s head office.

Graduate careers

Our graduates go on to work in a variety of areas within fashion buying. Recent employers include ASOS, Selfridges, Next, Reiss, Marks & Spencer, River Island, and Joules, among many others.

DMU Open Days

Our next Open Day takes place on Saturday 14 September 2019book your place today.

#IchoseDMU

Accommodation

We offer a range of high-standard accommodation for our students, with 14 halls of residence — and around 4,300 rooms — all of which are within easy walking distance of the campus. There is a choice of mixed or same-gender flats, shared kitchen and laundry facilities, furnished bedrooms (some with en suite facilities) and internet access. Find out more.